Elizabeth “Lulu” Gilreath, from Nebraska, went on a carnival ride that turned out to be the worst ride of her young life.
Lulu, 11, was at a local carnival enjoying the day when she decided to ride the “King’s Crown.”
Tragically, during the ride her hair got stuck in the machinery and was torn off her head.
Her mother was standing nearby and saw the whole thing happen!
It took almost five minutes for the ride to come to a stop so Lulu could be taken to the hospital.
Lulu arrived at the hospital in critical condition and was in intensive care for a few weeks.
Lulu underwent several skin transplants to help try and cover up the parts of her scalp that were violently torn away.
Lulu’s story got out, and people from all over the country donated money to help her family with the medical bills. They raised over $500,000!
Some people wrote her letters of support and wished her a speedy recovery.
You have to love it when complete strangers get together for a common cause.
Lulu and her mom are working to get stricter regulations on mechanical rides.
No one wants this to happen to another young person! Lulu’s hair will never grow out again, her life has changed forever.
Lulu’s warning to everyone is not to wear loose clothing and be sure your hair is tied up before you go on a ride.
Watch this video:
